A news release from the Nova Scotia judiciary Thursday said new applications to the Halifax court will be docketed for consideration as of July 8.

A separate notice regarding the Sydney domestic violence court will be issued soon, the release said.

Although the domestic violence court has not been sitting during the COVID-19 pandemic, accused individuals already accepted into the program, and their families, have had access to all government and community services needed for their individualized support plans, according to the release.

To respect public health directives regarding social distancing, the Halifax court team will meet every Wednesday morning by phone to discuss the afternoon docket. Defence lawyers will be able to join the call to discuss their clients’ matters.

Following the morning meeting, the court will go on the record to deal with that day’s matters in a recorded teleconference. Participants who need to call into the court proceedings will receive instructions from their lawyer, the release said, but most individuals should not need to phone in, as counsel will appear on their behalf whenever possible.

The release said anyone experiencing domestic violence who is in immediate danger should call 911.

If someone needs help or information, they can call a 24-hour, toll-free line at 1-855-225-0220.

To connect with community resources across the province, people can call or text 211, or visit the Nova Scotia 211 website at https://ns.211.ca.

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